Pasalamat Festival
Pasalamat Festival is an integral part of the Philippines’ culture, so much so that both locals and foreigners indulge in the festivities held each year.
The celebrations are held to celebrate the bountiful harvests and are a mark of gratitude by the locals. The location of the event is in La Carlota City, and the practices of the day can be attributed to age-old traditions that have been passed down generations over the years.
Pasalamat Festival – La Carlota City
In the past, the celebrations were held in honor of the god of agriculture, with locals gathering for the traditional rituals at Kanlaon Volcanic Mountain. During this time, the locals would make offerings as a symbol of gratitude, taking time to be thankful for what they have been able to achieve. And even though the festival has somewhat moved away from its origins, the fact remains that it originated as a way of thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.
The timing of Pasalamat Festival is consistent with the event planned for each Sunday that is closest to Labour Day. Labour Day is observed internationally on the first of May, so the closest Sunday to this day marks the day of the celebration. This usually happens in the last week of April, and the festivities last for about a week before the actual Sunday.
Visitors will notice that the celebrations are characterized by traditional regalia, elaborate costumes as well as interesting props. There is no better way to give thanks while interacting with the locals as they go about their daily business.
Festivals in the Philippines are known for float parades, colorful costumes, and street dancing competitions. And all of this is true for the Pasalamat Festival, which is just as colorful as the rest of them.
The street dancing competition is definitely the main event of the festival. Anyone can try to dance the Pasalamat Samba to the beats performed by Pasalamat drumbeaters, but only the experienced local dancers will truly know all the moves. This shouldn’t stop you from trying – the beat really is contagious, and it’s impossible to just observe from the sidelines.
The costumes worn by the dancers are absolutely mesmerizing, with an incredible amount of details in their design. They are somewhat reminiscent of the mardi gras outfits, as is frankly the entire cheerful atmosphere in the city of La Carlota.
The festivities in the city actually last for about a week, and the competition and the float parade are only the culmination of the event. But this can be said of most Filipino festivals – the people really know how to enjoy themselves!
This also means that you should be able to partake in the festivities even if you arrive a week early. But you won’t get the full amazing experience if you miss out on the Sunday parade.
And what’s best about this is that even though those floats are huge and jaw-dropping, they are generally made from rather simple materials – produce, items specific for the region, textile, and recycled materials. Which just makes them even more astonishing, if you ask me.
This festival attracts tourists in their numbers, so it is not uncommon to come across local traders selling their wares at various points across the city. Get an array of souvenirs to choose from so that you can take home with you a reminder of all the fun you had in the Philippines. If you will be visiting the country at the start of May, then make a point to attend the Pasalamat Festival.
We would advise you to visit one of the best tourist spot attractions, Balay Negrense, also in the Province of Negros Occidental.
Getting To La Carlota City And Pasalamat Festival
The one thing that might be off-putting for tourists is that this is not exactly an easy festival to attend. Since it is held in an area that’s not easily accessible, a lot of people don’t make the effort to go there.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to La Carlota city is to take a local flight from either Manilla or Cebu. From Manilla, it’s about an 80-minute flight, while the flight from Cebu lasts less than an hour. The tickets are fairly inexpensive, as the flights are operated by local airlines. You will need to take a cab from the airport to La Carlota, but the rides are pretty short and cheap.
Other ways of travel are simply not worth it. The 50-minute flight from Cebu is equal to a 6-hour drive that includes ferry transport. Riding the bus instead of driving on your own adds another three hours to that trip.
And it’s only worse if you’re going from Manilla. Why drive for 20+ hours, where you can be there in an hour and a half if you fly?
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
